Sustainability Highlights
- Historic house dating back to the early 1500s, cared for and maintained as a living estate
- Thoughtful reuse of historic outbuildings in the Upper Yard for on-site accommodation
- On-site accommodation reducing travel for wedding guests and event attendees
- Practical energy measures including efficient lighting and heating systems
- Reduced water flow and careful water management throughout the house
- Waste management systems in place for events and busy periods
- Leave No Trace principles guiding the management of the house and grounds during the Carlow Garden Festival
- Strong emphasis on local supply chains for weddings and events
- Catering provided by a local family business prioritising organic, locally sourced food
- Commitment to hosting events in a way that respects the house, landscape and surrounding community
A Historic Setting, Carefully Used
Borris House is a place that leaves a strong impression. Set within a dramatic landscape and shaped by more than five centuries of history, it is a house with presence, character and depth. Dating back to the early 1500s and later remodelled in the nineteenth century, it carries layers of architectural and cultural heritage that continue to define how it is used today. Visitors are often struck by its sense of authenticity, a place valued for its history and atmosphere rather than polished perfection.
Caring for a Living House
Sustainability at Borris House is rooted in how the house and estate are cared for and adapted for contemporary use. Significant investment has gone into restoring and reusing historic buildings within the Upper Yard, transforming former outbuildings into accommodation. This allows many wedding guests and event attendees to stay on site, reducing the need for additional travel and helping gatherings unfold more slowly and smoothly.
Within the house itself, practical measures are well established. Energy-efficient lighting and heating systems are in place, water flow has been reduced where possible, and waste management is carefully handled during events. Paper use is kept to a minimum and Leave No Trace principles guide how the house and grounds are managed during busy periods such as the Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas and Carlow Garden Festival.
Local Supply and Thoughtful Hosting
Events at Borris House place strong emphasis on local supply chains. Catering is provided by a local family business that prioritises organic, locally sourced food, while couples hosting weddings are encouraged to work with local suppliers wherever possible. Guests are also supported to stay locally, strengthening links with surrounding businesses and communities.
This approach reflects a broader ethos: hosting events in a way that respects the house, the landscape and the people connected to it. Borris House is valued for its originality and sense of place, qualities that are protected through careful use rather than over-development.
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, the focus remains on maintaining the fabric of the house, caring for its trees and landscape, and continuing to host events that allow people to experience the estate in a meaningful way. Borris House offers a powerful example of how historic places can remain relevant and welcoming when they are used thoughtfully, with care taken to preserve their character for the future.
Managers and owners across the Carlow Garden Trail, of which Borris House, is a member, have completed an accredited Level 6 Certificate in Sustainable Destination Practice with Munster Technological University. As part of the programme, participants completed independent assessments of their current practice and developed future-focused Sustainability Action Plans. Together, they share a commitment to progressing their sustainability journey in a practical, collaborative and accountable way. Their shared intention is to offer welcoming visitor experiences that support the long-term wellbeing of Carlow’s people, heritage and natural environment.
